By Pat Dray
The Garden Spot
Pat Dray
After such a hot and wet summer, we welcome the fall weather. Mid-to-late fall is a great time to plant trees, shrubs, bulbs and perennials. And many will be on sale as nurseries reduce their stock prior to shutting down for the winter.
It’s also a good time for splitting and relocating perennials. Perennials should be divided every few years so that the root structures remain healthy and blooms remain strong. Those with “fleshy” roots, such as peonies, daylilies, iris and Hosta are easily split and replanted in the fall. But they should not be split until several weeks have passed since their last bloom. Dig the entire plant up and then use a pitchfork, shovel or even a hand saw to split the clump into two or three separate plants. Put the new plants in a bucket of water to remove loose soil and any insects that might be hiding in it. You can inspect the roots closely, and if there are any dead roots prune them off.
Now your new plants are ready to be planted. Plant them at the same depth that the original one was growing.
If any of your spring-blooming shrubs are crowded, this is also a good time to do some pruning and relocating. Prune from the base of the shrub, rather than at the top. Avoid giving a “haircut.” Most shrubs should be pruned into a Christmas tree shape, letting more sunlight and air into the center of the shrub to improve plant health.
If a shrub is in the wrong place, either for plant health or aesthetics, you can transplant it. Make sure you dig up as much of the root ball as possible. The transplant hole should be the same depth as the original hole but twice the diameter. Water well, and push down, but don’t compress the soil so that any air pockets are removed. You will need to deeply water the transplant several times a week until there is frost.
I recently transplanted my old foundation plantings of azalea and rhododendron to my woodland border where they are thriving. Remember “right plant in right place” so that the new spot has the required sunlight and water requirements.
It’s also time to plan a spring bulb garden. You can plant spring-blooming bulbs up until the ground is frozen. The “pointy” side is usually the side that goes up, and the planting depth is generally three times the height of the bulb. If you are in an area where you see a lot of deer, you should consider your tulips to be annuals.
Once you’re finished with your pruning and transplanting, be sure to clean and sterilize your tools so that they are ready for use in the spring. Then sit down and relax.
Pat Dray is a past president of the Garden Club of Orange and a master gardener.